The bustling capital of Sabah offers four standout city tours worth your time and money. The most comprehensive is the 4.5-hour City Day Tour, which efficiently covers the must-sees like Tun Mustapha Tower and Sabah State Museum – perfect for first-timers. I especially love the Morning City Tour for its inclusion of the stunning Floating Mosque and its relaxed 5-hour pace that lets you soak in the local culture.
Budget travelers and those short on time will appreciate the Half Day Tour, hitting the scenic Signal Hill lookout and the ornate Pu Toh Tze Temple. For history buffs, the 3-hour City Walk Tour focuses on fascinating post-WWII stories and heritage sites.
Check out these top tours for your Kota Kinabalu adventure:
Key Points
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The Kota Kinabalu City Day Tour offers a comprehensive 4-4.5 hour experience covering diverse landmarks like the Tun Mustapha Tower and Sabah State Museum.
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The Morning Kota Kinabalu City Tour provides a 5-hour tour with scenic views from Signal Hill Tower and visits to the Sabah City Mosque and local markets.
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The Kota Kinabalu City Half Day Tour is a budget-friendly option at $15 per person, including an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transportation.
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The Discover Kota Kinabalu: City Walk Tour offers a 3-hour walking tour focusing on the city’s post-WWII development and historical sites like the Atkinson Clock Tower.
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The Day Trip to Sepilok Orangutan and City Tour combines wildlife viewing at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center with a city tour of Kota Kinabalu’s highlights.
Kota Kinabalu City Day Tour & Filipino Market Shopping
The Kota Kinabalu City Day Tour & Filipino Market Shopping takes travelers on a delightful exploration of the city’s vibrant culture and diverse markets.
Priced at €108.79 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience, including hotel pickup and drop-off, land transportation, an English-speaking guide, and personal travel insurance.
Participants can expect to spend 4-4.5 hours on the tour, with a pickup time between 09:45-10:00 and a drop-off time between 14:00-14:15.
The tour has received an overall rating of 4.5/5 from 7 reviews, making it a highly-rated option for those seeking to discover Kota Kinabalu.
Minimum booking requirement is 2 people, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Read our full review: Kota Kinabalu City Day Tour & Filipino Market Shopping Review
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Morning: Kota Kinabalu City Tour
In the morning, the Kota Kinabalu City Tour takes travelers on a comprehensive exploration of the city’s diverse landmarks and cultural attractions.
Over 5 hours, the tour visits the second-tallest building in Sabah, the Tun Mustapha Tower, and the Sabah State Museum to learn about the region’s history and heritage.
Panoramic views await at the Signal Hill Tower, while the Sabah City Mosque, known as the Floating Mosque, showcases the city’s Islamic architecture.
The tour also includes stops at the Filipino Handicraft Market, the Puh Toh Tze Buddhist Temple, and the contemporary art hub, The Art Attic.
With English and Malay-speaking guides, the tour is wheelchair accessible and offers hotel pickup and drop-off.
Read our full review: Morning: Kota Kinabalu City Tour Review
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Kota Kinabalu City Half Day Tour
Kota Kinabalu’s vibrant city center comes alive on this half-day guided tour, offering visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s top landmarks and cultural attractions.
Highlights include the iconic Signal Hill, the serene Pu Toh Tze Temple, the fascinating Sabah State Museum, and the grand Sabah State Mosque and Kota Kinabalu City Mosque.
The tour also features a visit to the towering Menara Tun Mustapha. Priced at USD 15 per person, the tour includes door-to-door service, an English-speaking guide, and air-conditioned transportation.
While meals and gratuities aren’t included, the flexible itinerary and knowledgeable guide make this a great way to discover Kota Kinabalu’s diverse attractions.
Read our full review: Kota Kinabalu City Half Day Tour Review
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Discover Kota Kinabalu’s captivating past and present on this guided city walk tour. Priced at $88.76 per person, the 3-hour experience takes you to significant landmarks, including Signal Hill, Atkinson Clock Tower, and the Malaysian and Australian war memorials.
You’ll gain historical insights into the city’s development, from its post-WWII aftermath to today. The tour includes a stop for an optional lunch at a nearby restaurant.
With a live English-speaking guide, choose from morning or afternoon sessions. Remember to dress comfortably and bring necessary items.
This tour isn’t suitable for those with high blood pressure or altitude issues. Book now and pay later to secure your spot.
Read our full review: Discover Kota Kinabalu: Engaging City Walk Shared Tour Review
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Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour
This day trip to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sandakan attractions offers the chance to witness the captivating rehabilitation process of these remarkable primates.
Highlights include the orangutan feeding, as well as visits to the Central Market, Sim-Sim Water Village, and Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple.
The tour includes round-trip hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, and lunch at a local restaurant. Participants should bring insect repellent, a raincoat, and binoculars.
With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, this shared experience provides an up-close look at the region’s natural and cultural wonders.
Priced from $149.00 per person, this tour offers free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour Review
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Kota Kinabalu: Exclusive Private Tour to Discover the City
Offering an immersive exploration of Kota Kinabalu’s cultural tapestry, this exclusive private tour takes travelers on a captivating journey through the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Priced from $88.76 per person, the 1-day tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets, lunch, and travel insurance.
Highlights include the University Malaysia Sabah Mosque, Tun Mustapha Tower, Likas Floating Mosque, Puh Toh Si Chinese Temple, and the Teck Guan Cocoa Embassy.
With a live tour guide available in English and Chinese, the private group experience provides flexibility and the option to reserve without upfront payment.
Rated 5/5 by verified customers, this tour is a must for those seeking an in-depth discovery of Kota Kinabalu.
Read our full review: Kota Kinabalu: Exclusive Private Tour to Discover the City Review
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The Sum Up
Kota Kinabalu offers a variety of engaging city tours that allow visitors to explore its diverse cultural and natural attractions. From the bustling Filipino Market to the iconic Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Center, these tours provide a well-rounded experience of the city’s highlights. Travelers can choose from different options, such as half-day or full-day tours, shared or private experiences, to suit their preferences and interests.